HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-20-23 Public Comment - L. Jay - Letter of recommendation for Commissioner Pomeroy's vacated seat - John MeyerFrom:Lorre Jay
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Letter of recommendation for Commissioner Pomeroy"s vacated seat - John Meyer
Date:Monday, November 20, 2023 11:07:26 AM
Attachments:Lorre Jay Letter recommending John Meyer for City Commission appointment.pdf
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Thank you,
Lorre Jay
Lorre F. Jay
2964 Meah Lane
Bozeman, MT 59718
Nov. 20, 2023
Dear Bozeman City Commissioners:
I am writing a letter of recommendation for John Meyer to be appointed to Commissioner
Pomeroy’s vacated seat.
John Meyer was a stong 2nd candidate for mayor in the recent election running on a platform of
sustainability without taking donations from developers to ensure a strict adherence to conflict-
of-interest objectives, a problem that has plagued Montana historically and caused one of the
largest Superfund cleanup sites in Butte.
He shares Montana values with a long history of working for all Montanans on ensuring clean
water and access to affordable healthcare, among many other contributions as a biologist and
lawyer at a small non-profit law firm (Cottonwood Law) that has outsized results benefiting us
all.
His recent efforts include a major victory against Spanish Peaks Ski and Golf resort which violated
the Federal Clean Water Act causing algae blooms on the Gallatin River, a source of great income
and enjoyment to the local community. His firm is also pursuing Big Sky Resort and the
Yellowstone Club for similar cause.
In addition, he has won cases protecting a Native American leader subject to hate crimes and
protecting Montana citizens against the abuse of large insurance companies overbilling for
necessary healthcare services. These demonstrate his ability to protect and defend perhaps our
most vulnerable of citizens.
By the City’s own definition, our water source and treatment will be tapped out within 8 years if
not sooner due to rapid development and climate change. John’s recognition of this problem
and ability to develop solutions is crucial to maintaining a city where we all want to continue (and
are able) to live.
In addition, his affordable housing goals perhaps ignited by personal experience, are primary to
Bozeman’s continued ability to provide places to live for the people that are building Bozeman.
This is a problem that attractive, densely-packed dwellings, with lovely building materials selling
at extremely high prices will not solve.
As you know, good leadership means having the wherewithal to do what is in the best interests
of the citizens of Bozeman and not falling captive to better financed, non-local special interests.
This requires seeing the big picture rather than the incremental projects and having the stomach
to say “no” to things that don’t truly help Bozeman. John has proven his expertise in this area
and will be an excellent Commissioner helping us think through carefully how we improve or
potentially destroy Bozeman.
Sincerely,
Lorre F. Jay